In the news: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, migration & industry

Here’s what’s hit the news about Australia, New Zealand and Canada this week – including industry and migration updates.

Oil industry pay still rising worldwide

Data released by oilcareers.com and reported by Reuters show that “oil workers are enjoying strong growth in pay thanks in particular to a shortage of the most experienced engineers, a trend that shows no sign of easing.”

Headline stats include:

Average salaries by sector and region in oil and gas (in pounds sterling)

• Australia 186,914
• Canada 157,049
• United States 125,722
• Norway 103,665
• Middle East 88,723
• United Kingdom 78,288

Good times for all in boomtown Perth?

According to the BBC News, “Perth is Australia’s fastest-growing major city, in the state with the lowest unemployment. Average household income has risen 35% in five years.” But “though Perth is growing and getting richer, not everyone is earning a resources sector salary”. Read more about the two sides of the Perth story using the link above.

Canada celebrates its Come to Canada Wizard

Citizenship and Immigration Canada are celebrating – “One year after Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) launched the Come to Canada Wizard, the popularity of the Web tool continues to rise and is reaching new heights with over 1.6 million visits.” The website tool helps people determine if they’re eligible to live, work or study in Canada – find out more about it on CIC’s website.

Christchurch rebuild picks up pace

The latest data released by Statistics New Zealand shows that “building consents approved in Canterbury in the first half of 2012 valued almost the same as all consents issued last year”, highlighting how non-residential building activity is starting to grow in Christchurch. The New Zealand Herald has the full story.